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Free Tuition for Hundreds of Thousands of Ontario Students

New Ontario Student Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications

Ontario is now accepting applications for the new Ontario Student Assistance Program, which is making tuition free for more than 210,000 students.

Premier Kathleen Wynne met with high school students at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School in Toronto today to talk about how the new OSAP will help more students pursue higher education based on their ability to learn -- not on their ability to pay.

In addition to providing free tuition to hundreds of thousands of students each year, the new OSAP will also provide more generous grants. By next year, it is estimated that some 230,000 students receiving OSAP will have less debt as a result of these changes.

All students are encouraged to visit ontario.ca/OSAP to start their applications today.

Removing the financial barriers to higher learning and making postsecondary education more affordable is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUOTES

" For too many high school students and their families, tuition fees are a barrier to applying for college or university. And for too many college or university grads, high debt levels are a burden that unfairly limits their choices and opportunities. Everybody should have the opportunity to get an education and start their life without stressful levels of debt. That’s what the new OSAP does. We’re making it easier for everyone in Ontario, young and old, to open up exciting possibilities by pursuing a higher education." - Kathleen Wynne Premier of Ontario

" We’re modernizing OSAP in many ways, from the very large to the very small. The biggest change is free average tuition for postsecondary students from many low- and middle-income families, and more grants for most students. But we have also heard from current students that navigating the OSAP application can be difficult. With our new, user-friendly application, as well as our handy OSAP calculator, students now have the tools in hand to better plan for their future education and career paths." - Deb Matthews Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development

" We want every student to have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and reach their potential. I am thrilled that the new OSAP will make it easier for students by reducing barriers and supporting them as they pursue postsecondary opportunities." - Mitzie Hunter Minister of Education

QUICK FACTS

Students and their families can use the new online calculator to quickly determine how much financial assistance they are eligible for — which may be more than they expect.

The OSAP calculator shows that if, for example, you are a single parent, have three children and earn $60,000, you are eligible for grants totalling more than $16,000 — making tuition free if you decide to attend college.

OSAP is available to adult students, married students, students with children, dependent students and single independent students. Students with children may also be eligible to receive funding for child care costs.